Lawrence man sentenced for killing ailing wife

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — A 67-year-old Lawrence man who told investigators he killed his wife because of her many health problems has been sentenced to life in prison.

Larry Hopkins will be eligible for parole after 25 years under the sentence he received Thursday in Douglas County District Court.

Hopkins shot and killed 61-year-old Margaret Hopkins on Nov. 5, 2013, at their Lawrence home. He pleaded no contest earlier this year to first-degree murder, turning down a plea deal that included lesser offenses.

In court Thursday, Hopkins read a statement describing the many ailments suffered by his wife of 24 years, including diabetes, multiple strokes and knee replacement surgeries.

Larry Hopkins also had suffered a stroke and had heart problems as well.